Research Article
Helge Müller, Teresa Bi
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in the treatment of major depression. Here, we used quantitative SPECT to individually target rTMS site. 12 in patients suffering from pharmacoresistant major depression and a control group were given high frequency rTMS (10 Hz) on identical cortical regions with hypoactivation with a stimulation intensity of 80% of the motor threshold and a simple circular coil. 11 of the 12 patients showed significant (p=0.001) improvement in their depressive symptoms. The method is effective and easily applicable. But further studies should control the findings in larger sample groups and also give impetus to better definitions of hypoactivation areas and their influence on rTMS effects.